Can you get tested for alzheimers?

**sallyskellington** · 12-19-2010 08:37 AM

I'm kind of really conserned, it runs in my family and I have been noticing for a long time now that I will often go to say something and the wrong word will come out. Normally it starts with the same letter of said word I want or is a combo of two words together. I'm just concerned b/c it's not a once in a while kind of thing it's often many times a day. I'm not proud to admit it but I did alot of hardcore drugs in my teenage years can that be whats triggering it or can that itself cause Alzheimer's? Any other thoughts what it could be? Help :/

**Hopeless Dork** · 12-19-2010 08:42 AM

Although they've identified a gene related to alzheimers, i think... I think they do most of their diagnosing for it based on a criteria of symptoms rather than a specific test or scan, etc. If you are suffering some memory problems you need to a see a doctor though... because there are other things besides alzheimers that could be at play.

**sallyskellington** · 12-19-2010 08:47 AM

it's bad like I said it happens numerous times a day. For instance yesterday I went to ask my husband to take the garbage out and I said garage. I also was going to ask him to feed the cats and something like feeats came out instead.

**ItsASecret** · 12-19-2010 09:28 AM

No there is no way to be really tested except for an autopsy or progression through the deterioration steps. If it runs in the family then find out how it runs in the family, it is in my family as well but skips a generation so my mom may not get it but I could. Which sucks because Alzheimer's research is one of my main research interests so I really do not want to get it.

The slip of words or combining of words is likely due to other cognitive processes, not early stage Alzheimer's. We all do it from time to time, especially if we are in a hurry and trying to explain things quickly. Alzheimer's is more memory related, it will destroy speech areas but chews up other ares like motivation and memory before language is really impaired. Slipping with normal language is not a major concern until it takes over your life, as in more often than not no one can understand you because you just cannot get the words right. Or the words sound perfectly normal to you but they come out in a complete in a way that are part of the English language. That is a time to go in and see a doctor or neurologist, or if a lack of memory and inability to complete simple tasks becomes far more than just simple forgetting.

Drugs though can really mess up the brain, pretty much everything has an adverse effect on neurons (the things that make everything in the brain work). Inhalants are probably the worst for structural brain damage, essentially the brain shrinks because it is is losing so much white matter. Alcohol abuse also changes the structure of the brain. Amphetamines cause some serious neuronal problems. Opioids like heroine, oxycontin, percocet, morphine etc, do not do a whole lot of damage though most of the damage associated from those are from the side effects like HIV from injection, poor nutrition and lifestyle choices.

**Hopeless Dork** · 12-19-2010 09:30 AM

It could be some little miss-fire going on, I saw an episode of HOUSE... I know , i know... its just tv show lol. But this man was saying the wrong word for things... I can't remember what was causing it... but it was much much much more severe than you are describe he would call a pen like a house and a shoe a dog etc.. it made his sentences very jumbled but it doesn't sound like your situation is anywhere near that level. It would be good to see your doc anyway , for him to ease your mind if nothing else.

**ItsASecret** · 12-19-2010 09:39 AM

It could be some little miss-fire going on, I saw an episode of HOUSE... I know , i know... its just tv show lol. But this man was saying the wrong word for things... I can't remember what was causing it... but it was much much much more severe than you are describe he would call a pen like a house and a shoe a dog etc.. it made his sentences very jumbled but it doesn't sound like your situation is anywhere near that level. It would be good to see your doc anyway , for him to ease your mind if nothing else.

Its called receptive aphasia. Everything about the words makes sense to the person speaking but those listening are in complete disbelief because it makes no sense at all. Speech rate is fine, there is grammar and syntax but the actual language of words is completely wrong. Like you said they may say "pen" but mean "house". They often try to make associations with sounds of words, so "bi-polar" may come out as "polar bear" or "television" comes out as "telephone".

**Hopeless Dork** · 12-19-2010 09:50 AM

Hmmm... in receptive aphasia is the person aware the wrong word has come out when they hear themselves... or do they think it was said correctly?

**ItsASecret** · 12-19-2010 10:00 AM

Hmmm... in receptive aphasia is the person aware the wrong word has come out when they hear themselves... or do they think it was said correctly?

They think it is said correctly, and then get super frustrated when no one can understand them. They can also fully comprehend what other people are saying, they just have a hard time replying with a sentence that makes sense. They can say things like yes and no though and get it generally right, but even then it can come out at the wrong times so at times it still makes communication difficult.

**sallyskellington** · 12-19-2010 10:26 AM

it's bad enough that friends and family are starting to notice it as well.

**WildChild** · 12-19-2010 11:37 AM

Darling you've been under huge stress, you've have had an injury, surgery and are on meds. Those can all contribute to a variety of odd responses. Not drinking would undoubtedly help as that can interact badly with your meds and amplify some problems. Some stress reduction techiques would probably help and certainly wouldn't hurt. How about meditation? I know while you are in recovery, doing yoga exersize may not be an option but you could do the relaxation techniques.